Annual Medical Check for Seniors

[Tazmo]

When I was working, I had annual check-ups in order to renew my Visa. The Company paid for it.

 

Since Retirement , from 2017 I have been paying for an Annual general health check up, X-rays; blood tests ; EKG; Urine text ; medical examination, for a fee of 5K THB and extra if you want any other specific tests eg I had a kidney ultrasound.

 

Now I see a Private Clinic advertising for this, but prices according to age and tests include those for older people, in the case of men it includes PSA ( prostate test) ; occult stool specimen etc.  But their price is 15K THB. Now that’s a bit out of my budget!

 

 have had blood tests done at a Private lab which if far cheaper and might therefore do the same.

 

 I was wondering if others in the forum have any experience having annual check ups? I live in Chiang Mai, so costs and places here would be ideal.

I understand that if an abnormality is found in the test, then you may be referred to the appropriate Specialist.

 

Many Thanks 

 

[Hummin]

17 minutes ago, Tazmo said:

When I was working, I had annual check-ups in order to renew my Visa. The Company paid for it.

 

Since Retirement , from 2017 I have been paying for an Annual general health check up, X-rays; blood tests ; EKG; Urine text ; medical examination, for a fee of 5K THB and extra if you want any other specific tests eg I had a kidney ultrasound.

 

Now I see a Private Clinic advertising for this, but prices according to age and tests include those for older people, in the case of men it includes PSA ( prostate test) ; occult stool specimen etc.  But their price is 15K THB. Now that’s a bit out of my budget!

 

 have had blood tests done at a Private lab which if far cheaper and might therefore do the same.

 

 I was wondering if others in the forum have any experience having annual check ups? I live in Chiang Mai, so costs and places here would be ideal.

I understand that if an abnormality is found in the test, then you may be referred to the appropriate Specialist.

 

Many Thanks 

 

Annual check ups is for my age 56 everything from 4k to 32k depending on what I want to do and hospital. You just have to look around and ask, but you need someone who speaks thai. Try Saint Marys in Chiang Mai, they are almost half the price of Bangkok Hospital. 

 

 

 

List of hospitals in Chiang Mai

https://chiangmaifamilyguide.com/hospitals-clinics-in-chiang-mai/#faq

[carlyai]

On Thai Father's Day many hospitals have half-price rates.

We check then in the Roiet province for B3500 all except PSA.

 

 

 

 

[KannikaP]

7 minutes ago, carlyai said:

On Thai Father's Day many hospitals have half-price rates.

We check then in the Roiet province for B3500 all except PSA.

 

 

 

 

A PSA test is Bht 300 at my University Hospital in Phitsanulok. Bht 3000 for the job lot.

[fanbanrai]

I had my PSA test 6th December, 350 Baht

[JamesPhuket10]

Does anyone have any medical checkup recommendations for Phuket?

[Lacessit]

Every six months, I have a full blood test and an EKG. I send them to specialists in Australia.

 

I get them done at Mengrai Labs and a cardiology clinic. Full blood test is 1300 baht, EKG with ultrasound 2500 baht.

 

Mengrai highlight results outside normal range.

[Sheryl]

The various packages you see tend to be poorly designed and aimed more at marketing considerations than medical ones. Tend to contain unnecessary tests that are nto suitable for screening purposes and likely to lead to unnecessary further tests.

 

What you need, assuming no special problems/history, is:

 

complete blood count

AST/ALT (liver enzymes)

Creatnine

BUN

uric acid

Lipid panel: HDL, LDL and triglycerides

HB1Ac

PSA

TSH

 

These are blood tests and can be done at a lab.

 

In addition, I would suggest  an exercise stress test if you have not had one in recent years.

 

And a colonoscopy if you have not had one in past 10 years.

 

These last 2, you'll need a hospital for.

[Lacessit]

17 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

The various packages you see tend to be poorly designed and aimed more at marketing considerations than medical ones. Tend to contain unnecessary tests that are nto suitable for screening purposes and likely to lead to unnecessary further tests.

 

What you need, assuming no special problems/history, is:

 

complete blood count

AST/ALT (liver enzymes)

Creatnine

BUN

uric acid

Lipid panel: HDL, LDL and triglycerides

HB1Ac

PSA

TSH

 

These are blood tests and can be done at a lab.

 

In addition, I would suggest  an exercise stress test if you have not had one in recent years.

 

And a colonoscopy if you have not had one in past 10 years.

 

These last 2, you'll need a hospital for.

eGFr?

[herfiehandbag]

I am diabetic, and I am registered for the Diabetic Clinic in my local hospital. Once a year I have the "full monty", blood,urine ( the lab technicians now giggle when they say fill that jar and I say from here?) chest x-ray. They produce figures for liver, kidney and so forth. Nurse Noodle ( she speaks good English but can't say "needle" ) then goes over the results with me then the doctor, who looks about 14! All up, costs me about B3000. Takes all morning so I take a book; " Mr John Anthony, put that book away and come to window 7" was one memorable PA announcement!

 

A side note, I always try to be a 'jolly soul" in my dealings with the staff, they seem to appreciate it, and somehow it seems to be reflected both in how they treat one, and the eventual bill.

[Sheryl]

29 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

eGFr?

EGFR is not a separate test. It is a calculation made from the creatnine level (and sometimes, in Thailand, not very correctly). 

[Lacessit]

34 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

EGFR is not a separate test. It is a calculation made from the creatnine level (and sometimes, in Thailand, not very correctly). 

My creatinine level is in normal range, 1.09 vs 0.67 - 1.17 mg/dL.

 

My eGFR is 63 vs normal range 90-120.

 

Should I be concerned?

[Sheryl]

13 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

My creatinine level is in normal range, 1.09 vs 0.67 - 1.17 mg/dL.

 

My eGFR is 63 vs normal range 90-120.

 

Should I be concerned?

Probably not, but a nephrologist can do additional tests to be sure.

 

 

[CM4Me]

An ad by Chiang Mai Medical Centre regularly appears on the Chiang Mai Expats Club Newsletter. They may provide the service and price the OP is seeking. I myself have never used them

 

[Old Curmudgeon]

Contrarian opinion from another "senior":

Some say paying for physical checkups is like paying a salesman to try to sell you something.

In other words, the hospital/clinic doing the testing is actively looking for "problems" to treat.

And you are paying them to look.

I agree.

 

Haven't been in or near a hospital or clinic in over 10 years.

If I feel an irresistible urge to get medical tests, just walk in to a store-front medical testing lab.

Lest time, less aggravation, less cost.

 

I respectfully suggest: start with one of those independent medical testing labs.

IFF they find something seriously wrong, THEN go see someone in a white coat with a stethoscope hanging around his neck.

 

 - Old Curmudgeon

 

 

[georgegeorgia]

7 hours ago, fanbanrai said:

I had my PSA test 6th December, 350 Baht

Blood test or finger ?

I prefer the finger 

[The Fugitive]

9 hours ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

Contrarian opinion from another "senior":

Some say paying for physical checkups is like paying a salesman to try to sell you something.

In other words, the hospital/clinic doing the testing is actively looking for "problems" to treat.

And you are paying them to look.

I agree.

 

Haven't been in or near a hospital or clinic in over 10 years.

If I feel an irresistible urge to get medical tests, just walk in to a store-front medical testing lab.

Lest time, less aggravation, less cost.

 

I respectfully suggest: start with one of those independent medical testing labs.

IFF they find something seriously wrong, THEN go see someone in a white coat with a stethoscope hanging around his neck.

 

 - Old Curmudgeon

I was brought up to believe that you shouldn't 'trouble' a doctor and only seek treatment when ill and your condition is intolerable and/or worsening. Annual medicals unheard of. My mother attended for free routine health checks at our local GP's group practice. She was told she was very good for her age (mid eighties). Unfortunately, she was actually terminally ill with metastatic disease. A doctor later told me that such health checks don't include cancer. However, my Thai Mrs has two friends who have breast cancer. This prompted her to book a promotional screening at Bangkok Hospital priced at only 2,900 baht. They found stage 2-3 breast cancer for which she has undergone surgery and is now being treated with chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.

[KhunLA]

7 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Blood test or finger ?

I prefer the finger 

Full abdominal ultrasound, tells you exactly how large or if any unwanted mass.  Or better, simply get full abdominal CT Scan.  Either at least once 50+ yrs old or younger.   I use to get ultrasound as included with check up, yearly or so.   If not included, then an easy add-on.  Got the CT Scan (no dye) this year, just for piece of mind.

 

Full check up, <10k baht at private hospital.   Worth the extra baht, over govt hosp, unless very patient.  I liked (Executive) @ Camillian Hosp @ Thong Lo area.  Never needed an appointment.  Arrive around 0800, after a fast from 1800 hrs the night before.  All test done before 1100, come back after a munch, for results & consultation.  They'll give you a report (all your #s) or mail to you.  Join member club before hand for discount.

 

A few test (cancer markers), always in the packages, useless, usually, unless way off the charts, but good to have, IF, you get yearly check ups, and now having a 'baseline' for comparison, as any major movement may tell you something.

 

Add HbAc1 if not included.   Make sure bladder is full before ultrasound.  Don't P a second time after you wake up, and there is water available to drink before hand, (ask if not offered) as doc usually shows up late anyway.  After the ultrasound, around 0930-1000 hrs, you're basically done.  If not many folks there.

 

Give you a food coupon, and cafeteria in basement to munch & kill time.  Or if you know how to read numbers, easy, just leave & have them mail you the results.   Although, if #s off the charts, then you'd need to return anyway, so chill, since there.

 

If not a morning dump kind of person, then bring a stool sample with you.  Doesn't need to be fresh that day, as I think they just test the 'texture', and test for any blood residue.   No need to bring urine sample, as you'll definitely need to P after the ultrasound, if not before.

[fanbanrai]

8 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Blood test or finger ?

I prefer the finger 

I was there for my six-month check. I have been on medication for two years; they gave me Blood test, which I will do again in 12 months for seeing doctor Two lots of tabs for six months and test 1,350 Baht

 

My own desire is to also take Zinc Picolinate

 

From 2 years previous, my condition has improved  

[Old Curmudgeon]

2 hours ago, The Fugitive said:

my Thai Mrs has two friends who have breast cancer. This prompted her to book a promotional screening at Bangkok Hospital priced at only 2,900 baht. They found stage 2-3 breast cancer for which she has undergone surgery and is now being treated with chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.

 

Exactly as predicted: paying a salesman to sell you something.  Paying a hospital to screen for something, for which that hospital sells the treatments.     

 

There are non-mainstream treatments for cancer that don't involve hospital therapies or pharmaceutical chemicals.  You knew that, right?

 

And it is very impolite to even hint at the idea, but I will anyway by asking this question: How many vaccine jabs did your Mrs. and her two friends get before their cancers were discovered?

[Lacessit]

1 hour ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

 

 

 

There are non-mainstream treatments for cancer that don't involve hospital therapies or pharmaceutical chemicals.  You knew that, right?

 

And it is very impolite to even hint at the idea, but I will anyway by asking this question: How many vaccine jabs did your Mrs. and her two friends get before their cancers were discovered?

Perhaps you could do us a favor, post the success statistics of these non-mainstream treatments for various cancers.

 

I have been treated in hospitals for bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. I am damn sure I would not be in full remission on an alternative treatment, such as a macrobiotic diet.

 

Why is it anti-vaxxers shy away from 0.5 mL of something in their arm once a year, while happily imbibing a Class 1 carcinogen on a daily basis?

[Muhendis]

I have an annual blood test and urine sample test done at my local government hospital.

I have a printout of the results including the minimum and maximum limits of things like electrolytes, kidney function and cholesterol tests.

The whole lot comes to about 900 Baht plus 100 for the doctors consultancy fee after.

I understand the tests are automated and I am told to come back for the consultancy about 4 hours after the test.

[The Fugitive]

5 hours ago, Old Curmudgeon said:

Exactly as predicted: paying a salesman to sell you something.  Paying a hospital to screen for something, for which that hospital sells the treatments.     

 

There are non-mainstream treatments for cancer that don't involve hospital therapies or pharmaceutical chemicals.  You knew that, right?

 

And it is very impolite to even hint at the idea, but I will anyway by asking this question: How many vaccine jabs did your Mrs. and her two friends get before their cancers were discovered?

The problem is Thai National Health Service (NHS) don't yet offer breast cancer screening. I have read they propose to do so, however, it will be limited to age 40-59 AND with immediate family history. Even when it's in place my wife wouldn't qualify. Agree, Bangkok Hospital would have treated my wife. The lady cancer doctor told her she also worked in NHS and suggested my wife could take the results/reports to a Government hospital for them to treat her. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy has/will be given at our Regional Government Hospital. 

 

Don't have much faith in alternative/traditional/herbal remedies myself. Two years ago my brother-in-law passed away at age 56 from kidney failure. Zero sympathy from family because he had long since refused to take prescription medication, preferring Chinese Herbal remedies. 

 

My wife has had three Covid jabs before refusing to have any more. Myself, five to date and seeking more. Her two friends I don't know about.

[oldestswinger]

17 hours ago, georgegeorgia said:

Blood test or finger ?

I prefer the finger 

Mine used ultra-sound

[Acharn]

On 12/10/2024 at 8:42 AM, Tazmo said:

When I was working, I had annual check-ups in order to renew my Visa. The Company paid for it.

 

Since Retirement , from 2017 I have been paying for an Annual general health check up, X-rays; blood tests ; EKG; Urine text ; medical examination, for a fee of 5K THB and extra if you want any other specific tests eg I had a kidney ultrasound.

 

Now I see a Private Clinic advertising for this, but prices according to age and tests include those for older people, in the case of men it includes PSA ( prostate test) ; occult stool specimen etc.  But their price is 15K THB. Now that’s a bit out of my budget!

 

 have had blood tests done at a Private lab which if far cheaper and might therefore do the same.

 

 I was wondering if others in the forum have any experience having annual check ups? I live in Chiang Mai, so costs and places here would be ideal.

I understand that if an abnormality is found in the test, then you may be referred to the appropriate Specialist.

 

Many Thanks 

 

I seem to recall I had a "check-up" once back when I still lived in Bangkok. I think it was when visa extensions were still done at Soi Suan Phlu, so that was, what, 20 years ago? The physician just signed a form, nothing was really checked and I paid a couple hundred baht. I had a physical exam five or six years ago, but it had nothing to do with my extensions. I've decided there's no reason for me to get physical check-ups. If I'm not sick enough to be in the hospital, I would just incur more expenses.

[Old Curmudgeon]

On 12/11/2024 at 6:18 PM, The Fugitive said:

Don't have much faith in alternative/traditional/herbal remedies myself.

 

Thanks, @The Fugitive for taking time to post your thoughts.

 

I don't have much faith in mainstream medical treatment -- so exactly oppostite view.

I'll do almost anything to stay far away from "official" prescription medicines.

As for Chinese Herbal, I don't have any faith in that either!

So, what's left??

 

A lot, actually.

Really a lot, but scattered in many places and takes some effort to search and find.

The big search engines and video sites do not want to show alternative anything to mainstream methods.

 

On the topic of annual checkups, there are alternative methods that don't involve any white-coat doctors or hospital labs.

Hair and fingernail mineral analysis is just one example.

Another is urine analysis research underway at the Oregon (USA) Institute of Science and Medicine by the family of Arthur Robinson.

 

[Old Curmudgeon]

On 12/10/2024 at 8:29 PM, Sheryl said:

The various packages you see tend to be poorly designed and aimed more at marketing considerations than medical ones. Tend to contain unnecessary tests that are nto suitable for screening purposes and likely to lead to unnecessary further tests.

 

[bold emphasis added by me, not in the quoted post]

 

 

Well, this is nice:

Finally, I find myself agreeing with something posted here by the prolific medical advisor on this forum, @Sheryl.

 

Usually, I avoid all mainstream, jargon-laden advice on medical topics.

Especially on public, Internet forums.

And particularly on public, Internet forums which are not primarily focused on medical topics.

In other words, I do not look for medical advice on a forum devoted to motorcycle maintenance.

On a forum aimed at expats and tourists I would look at suggestions for hospitals or clinics or even pharmacies, but, specific details about medical tests?

Even from someone with very good intentions?

Nope.